ION 5

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The Adventure Intermediate (EN/LTF B)

ION 5 - Evolution of a legend

Making something good even better. This was our aim during the development of the ION 5. The result is a high performance, light and safe wing, which will impress you with its even better handling. Basically, a real ION.

Evolution instead of revolution.The ION 4 is this millenniums best-selling NOVA paraglider. The "ION class" has become synonymous with the ultimate in versatile paraglider. It stands for excellent performance, appealing handling and a high degree of passive safety. With the ION 5, we are raising these strengths to a new level.

Handling and glide performance for big adventures.The ION 5 responds directly to brake inputs and the reduced brake pressure makes long thermic flights more comfortable. The new wing tips and the fundamentally improved stress distribution improve the glide performance across the entire speed-range. The level of passive safety and the intended pilot target group remain the same as with its previous model. This makes the ION 5 the perfect companion for relaxed flights, even over several hours and hundreds of kilometres.

Lightweight. Like the ION 4, the ION 5 has been designed as a semi-light wing. We have built on our proven mix of materials, but a large area of the upper and lower surface is made with the new Dokdo 20D cloth. This cloth is even lighter, whilst simultaneously being more durable. At less than 5 kg (size M), this makes the ION 5 suitable for hike & fly, without having to worry about the longevity of the wing.

Requirements

The ION 5 is suitable for a wide spectrum of pilots. It offers a high degree of passive safety and is suitable for use in schools (as long as your country sanctions the use of an EN B wing for training). On the other hand, the glider has impressive performance, which makes the ION 5 a wing for all occasions. It is a fun wing which turns like a dream, a cross-country machine, a tutor and a gentle acrobat all in one. It is suitable for gifted beginners as well as experienced pilots with cross-country ambitions. The demands on the ION pilots remain constant from one glider generation to the next. An ION is an ION.

Useful Information

Like the MENTOR, the ION has become a class of its own - and with good reason. For years, we have been making wings for clearly defined target groups. What is being continuously improved is the performance, handling and the associated enjoyment of flight.

New wingtip design: The profile has been optimized, the chord is reduced and an additional cell has been added. The result of these measures is increased glide performance.

Latest cloth innovation: The new DOKDO 20D is 2g/m² lighter and during fabric testing has proved itself to be more durable (in terms of strength as well as porosity).

Latest line materials: The PPSLS65 from Liros are the thinnest sheathed lines on the market and are used for the brakes and stabilo lines. These aid ease of sorting and reduce drag.

This depends on what type of flying you do. If you are passionate about cross-country flying, then the Speedbrake Riser provides efficient "counter-acceleration", which improves your glide performance. We recommend conventional risers for recreational flyers, acro pilots and hike & fly enthusiasts.

What is the correct wing loading for NOVA gliders?

Where the glider is flown in the weight-range is first and foremost a question of personal preference: anyone seeking a high degree of agility and dynamic flying should fly our wings at the higher end of the weight range. Pilots who are happier with gentle flights with a high degree of damping will be happier in the middle of the weight range. Of course, the flying conditions have a big influence - in turbulent, windy conditions greater wing loading will bring greater stability; whereas flying the glider at the lower end of the weight-range makes it unbeatable in weak thermals. Correct wing loading is mainly a question of personal preference and the conditions in which you mainly fly.

Can I shorten the brake lines on a NOVA wing?

The brakes are components relevant to certification - modification can affect the flying characteristics and extreme flight behavior. Because of this, we strongly advise against any modification of the brake system. It is important that the brake has sufficient travel before it engages. This is also important so that the wing does not brake automatically when the speed bar is used. Furthermore, a brake that engages too early affects performance and influences the recovery during incidents, for example during a collapse or when the canopy goes parachutal.

What is the performance of my NOVA wing? How fast will it fly?

Performance data depends heavily on the drag created by the pilot and this is linked to their seating position and harness type. An aerodynamic harness or seating position can make the difference of one glide ratio point. We at NOVA never determine absolute performance data, instead, we make comparisons with reference gliders. For this reason, we do not publish performance data.

How do I hold the brake line correctly?

How a pilot holds the brakes is a matter of personal preference - but it does have a marked influence on the handling and flying characteristics of the wing. We recommend a half-wrap. You hold the brake handle in your palm and twist it half way around your hand so that the brake line lies between your thumb and forefinger. This shortens the brake travel by approximately 20 centimeters and this has a positive effect on feedback - firstly you directly feel the travel of the brake line and secondly, with the arms positioned higher, it is easier to feel the wing. Due to poor ergonomics, we recommend against not taking this wrap. The exception is of course when gliding or during other phases of the flight when steering with the brake is not necessary. Please note: when changing from not having a wrap to taking the wrap, the shortened brake travel must be taken into consideration.

What is the difference between an ION and a MENTOR?

The ION is less dynamic than the MENTOR. The ION is suitable for pilots desiring more comfort and a more relaxed feel while in the air. In comparison, the MENTOR is sportier.

How should NOVA wings be packed?

Simplicity is our motto. Our wings can be packed using a concertina bag, but it is not essential. In principle, all our wings can just be stuffed in a packsack. When the wing is folded it is recommended not to bend the rods unnecessarily. This is particularly true if the wing is to be stored for longer periods. Furthermore, we recommend careful handling of your wing.

Does NOVA test the materials used?

Sailcloth, lines and all other components are subjected to rigorous testing before they are used in serial production. We not only test the sail cloth for durability (high porosity or reduced tear resistance through UV damage or wear) but also for mechanical robustness, for example stretching. For quality control purposes we regularly take samples during serial production.

When should I send my wing for its first NOVA Trim Tuning (NTT)?

During the initial flights, the lines are first subjected to load. This load induces a small degree of stretching and shrinking. These are not associated with the line manufacturers or the quality of workmanship - in the factory, all NOVA paragliders are trimmed and pre-stretched to within a very low tolerance. To adjust this stretching or shrinking, we recommend that the wing is taken for NTT (Nova Trim Tuning) after ten to twenty flights - after one year at the very latest. Generally, the line lengths remain constant after the first ten to twenty hours. To use make full use of the NTT, Nova encourages all pilots to have their wing checked after ten to twenty flying hours.

How should NOVA wings be stored?

Dry, not packed too tightly and if possible in a space without wide temperature variations - these are the conditions that make our paragliders feel well. You should never store a wing when it is moist. You should also avoid excessive heat, like you would have, for example, in the car. Never remove dirt using chemical detergents and/or brushes.

What happens if I choose not to send my wing for a NOVA Trim Tuning?

The NOVA Trim Tuning is optional. We would strongly recommend it, but there is no obligation to have the NTT. You can skip the tuning and have your wing fully inspected during the NOVA Full Service.